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Originally Posted by jimpiano
The exact play happened Thursday night in Seattle. The batter took a swing and his momentum carried over the plate. Pudge Rodriquez tried to throw the runner from first out at second but his throw was wild because of the presence of the batter in front of him.
ld
The umpire ruled no interference.
I agree with the call.
The batter did nothing more than swing at a pitch and fall forward.
There was no intereference.
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I have to disagree, Jim. Mike Winters blew the call, plain and simple. A batter is responsible for the momentum created by his swing. If his swing causes him to fall forward over the plate and he hinders the catchers attempt to retire a runner in any way he should be called out for interference.
From Evans.
. The action by the batter which causes interference does not have to be intentional. The batter is obligated to avoid making any movement which obstructs, impedes, or hinders the catcher's play in any way. A swing which carries the batter over home plate and subsequently complicates the catcher's play or attempted play should be ruled interference. Contact between the batter and catcher does not necessarily have to occur for interference to be ruled. Merely blocking the catcher's vision to second base may very possibly be interference.
Tim.